Have you ever seen an under water creature so hideous, appaling, and creepy? Meet the ANGLER FISH.
You probably wouldn't want to get your hand caught in that thing, or look down during your ocean swim to see one of those hanging from your leg. You can't help but wonder... Is this creature's existence a form of Divine Punishment? Just look at it!
Particularly interesting is the manner in which they breed. The female angler fish is what you see in maority floating around the internet, but the male version leaves... well, a lot to be desired.
This little guy spends most of his existence in search of a very strong smell, which he has a nose for since his birth. This scent is none other than that of the Female Angler fish, another example shown below.
Aren't they a beauty?? So what happens when the male Angler Fish finds the female? Well, he bites onto her, of course! But what happens next might leave you... slightly disturbed. The image below will elaborate this point, precisely.
Yes, you read that correctly - His face, body, and all internal organs begin to MELT OFF when in contact with the female angler fish, and in turn FUSE with the female - leaving only a pair of gonads (testicles) behind, permanently latched onto the female. And these puppies aren't just for show - the female can now use these pair of knockers at will, to self-impregnate herself.
And if one male wasn't enough, most females "hold" up to at least 6 "mates" - more if they're promiscuous. How lucky!
Happy Anglin`~